Kimo’s Rules

For our 10th wedding anniversary, MaryBeth and I planned an elaborate trip to Hawaii.  It took us longer to get there than we originally planned (we were trying to get from Atlanta to Hawaii on a Delta buddy pass — for those of you who don’t know, a buddy pass is a “non-revenue” seat, so you fly standby and anyone with a higher priority or who had purchased a ticket, got onto flights before us), but we finally got there.

While on the island, though, MaryBeth found a t-shirt with a rainbow on the front and the words, “No rain, no rainbows” on it. On the back of the shirt was the following:

Kimo’s Kauai Rules (purportedly by Charles Knief – http://www.crimepays.com/knief.htm)

  • Never judge a day by the weather
  • The best things in life aren’t things
  • Tell the truth – there’s less to remember
  • Speak softly and wear a loud shirt
  • Goals are deceptive – the unaimed arrow never misses
  • He who dies with the most toys – still dies
  • Age is relative – when you’re over the hill you pick up speed
  • There are 2 ways to be rich – make more or desire less
  • Beauty is internal – looks mean nothing
  • No rain – no rainbows

During these stressful times around the holidays, it’s important to remember some of these rules more than others.  For example, the best things in life truly are not things.  I like getting gifts as much as the next person (probably moreso than some), but when I think of that which I cherish the most, it’s not my belongings, but the love of my family and friends; the joy of laughing at a great joke; the pleasure of eating a good meal.

I often find myself thinking of these rules as I worry about finances or my health.  Perhaps they will be helpful (if not simply amusing) if you find yourself stressed during this holiday season.

Merle